Ruthie Davis on Taking Risks and Moving Forward
You’ve always been an innovator. How were you able to move through fear of the unknown and keep taking risks?
Honestly I’ve never really had a fear of the unknown—I’m always looking forward. Aesthetically I’m attracted to more futuristic designs; that’s what inspires me. I think innovating has always been in my DNA, after all, I launched my line with a wedge made out of titanium—that was a real struggle to get done.
What made you think “I’m going to make a titanium wedge”?
As a kid I was a big athlete. I loved skiing, tennis, field hockey… and I loved the equipment. I originally started designing athletic products, which are modern and sleek. When I launched the brand I used to say, “Just imagine Nike and Christian Louboutin had a baby.” I wanted to bring those two worlds together.
Did you know from a young age you wanted to go into fashion?
No, not at all. I was always very entrepreneurial. I went to Bowdoin College and majored in English and minored in visual arts. I thought I might be a sports writer! But I always used to draw shoes.
Your work has a very distinct aesthetic and you keep changing and venturing out in different ways. Where do your ideas come from?
It really comes from living, eating, sleeping and dreaming products and fashion. I love the feeling of a sneaker, but I like the height and sleekness of a wedge. I live in my sneaker wedges; I’m wearing them right now. I have a real advantage as a woman designing for women—I test drive it, I wear it, it’s what I want.
Much of the industry is dominated by male designers. Do you think more women need to be designing for women?
I do. I’m really astounded by the lack of women who are creating. Many women in the field tend to shy away from high fashion—what Beyonce or Gaga would wear. They tend to do more Kate Spade or Tori Burch. It’s almost like it’s expected that only European men can make women look sexy. Women are afraid to own that, and they should.
What advice do you have for young women who are trying to find their style?
Every girl has something about her that is special. They just have to figure that out, then build their style around those positives. It’s a skill you have to hone. Personal style is a very important expression of who a person is—it’s easy to develop it.
Do you have comfort clothes? What’s your go to piece of clothing?
I’m not the sort of person who wears baggy sweats; a lot of my usual clothes look sleek and cool, but are actually very comfortable. I don’t look cool for others, I look cool for me. So even when I’m home I like to look put together, and of course, I’m in my wedged sneakers!
Tune in tomorrow for more from Ruthie!